The Whispers of Shadows - A&A One Shots

what could have been

*TW after the '*'

The winter was here in full blast. Ice and snow coated the windows, the fireplace roaring. The townhouse was nearly unbearably hot, so Aurora had chosen to lounge in a thin nightgown. Azriel had demanded she place a sweater overtop to ensure she didn't freeze. She was meant to accompany Nyx to the Hewn City tonight, but something felt off. Her head ached, her stomach was tense. She just felt tired.

"Aurora, I'm going to Rita's now. Nesta didn't want to join Cassian, do you want her to come here?"

Aurora rolled her head to the side, laid against the back of the couch. Her mate, her love, her Shadowsinger was standing near the couch, as beautiful as always. His dark hair tousled, face a deep tan even in the winter, stubble coating his strong jaw. Aurora nodded slowly, eyes fluttering when her headache got worse. Azriel's golden eyes held a wash of worry as he chewed on his bottom lip and then moved to her side, kneeling down.

"I don't want to leave you here alone if you're ill, Aurora. I'm just going to stay with you tonight," he murmured, brushing his lips against her temple. Aurora didn't really feel sick, just exhausted. It was as if her body had fought a long battle without her and her tight muscles needed rest.

"I will be here when you get back. If Nesta is coming, you have no reason to worry about me, Az. You haven't spent time with just Cassian in a long time," Aurora urged, leaning her head into that gentle touch. Even the ghost of his lips on her skin was comfort enough. Azriel sighed and kissed her head again.

"At least eat the soup I made. It has plenty of nutrients to help restore whatever is being used up in your body. I won't be gone long." Aurora nodded and turned her head to accept another kiss from him. After whispering another set of caring words, Azriel stood and stalked toward the door. Aurora watched him as he gripped the door handle. A knock sounded on the other side mere seconds later.

"Hello, Nesta," Azriel said as he pulled the door open. Indeed, Nesta was outside the door, bundled in a large coat and scarf up to her pink nose. She pushed inside and sighed happily at the warmth of the home.

"It's miserable out there," Nesta groaned while she unraveled her scarf and shrugged her coat off. Aurora gave her a grin of agreement as Azriel shut the door.

"I won't be gone long, just a few drinks and I'll bring Cassian back with me," Azriel explained. Nesta just waved him off but Aurora sent him a gentle smile.

"Stay out as long as you'd like," she told him. Azriel squinted at her and then was devoured in shadows and nothing.

"So, what's going on? Do you have a cold?" Nesta asked as she hung her coat and scarf on the rack near the fireplace. She kicked her boots off and then joined Aurora on the couch. The female laid across the couch, shoving in behind Aurora and the back of the cushions. Her arm went around Aurora's waist and she laid her head on her chest.

"No, I'm just very tired. My head hurts and I just don't feel well," Aurora explained as she put her arms around Nesta. The two laid there for long enough that Aurora began to doze off, but then Nesta started squirming.

"I'm hungry and something smells good," Nesta yawned, climbing over Aurora and marching to the kitchen. The soup Azriel had made was still on the stove. Aurora blinked slowly and began to climb from the couch, but a sharp pull in her muscles anchored her to the couch. She let out a heavy breath and winced as the pain continued to run through her body, up her stomach and down her thighs.

"Do you want some?" Nesta called out.

"No," Aurora breathed, trying to cool the pulsing pain. She just wanted to sleep, it was already late enough. Nesta returned with a bowl of soup, looking down at her with concern in her eyes.